Children's home run by Leeds City Council in Leeds

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people continue to gain immense benefit from their short breaks and shared care arrangements. Since the last inspection there have been 'first time' experiences for some young people. This includes going to the barbers for a haircut, walking to the corner shop, taking part in a new activity or sampling new food. Others continue to build on already good progress and development. The manager and staff give valuable support to parents in their role as primary carers for their children. This aspect of partnership working is strong, but not at the expense of putting children and young people's needs first. A high level of collaboration with education and health professionals ensures that children and young people enjoy a seamless service. The manager invites external speakers to team meetings. This further extends professional networks that ultimately benefit children and young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a strong emphasis on listening to and acting on children and young people's preferences. This is an area of continual improvement in the home with the staff and manager always looking for the best way to help children and young people communicate their views. This approach is proving to be both effective and appreciated by others. For example, the manager has recently been nominated for an award for listening to children and complimented by a parent for his 'person-centred care.' A young person has also won an award for participating in the appointment of staff. Participation, independence and self-determination are important values of the home. An example of this is the way in which children and young people decide what activities they would like to do during their short breaks. Equally, they can exercise their right to do nothing very much at all if they so choose. Children and young people continue to be effectively safeguarded. They do not go

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

missing and there are no concerns about exploitation. Access to the home is limited. The manager and staff work very effectively to implement child protection plans where required. Staff continue to be vigilant in recognising changes in behaviour, which may indicate that children and young people are unhappy or anxious. They understand that challenging behaviours are often a feature of young people's complex needs. There is rarely the need for physical intervention. When this occurs this is reviewed and monitored for any possible safeguarding concerns. Since the last inspection, plans have been successfully implemented to improve the transition for young people to adult services. Staff have also upgraded their skills and knowledge by training in autism, other specific syndromes and the Mental Health Capacity Act. This ensures they continue to understand and be responsive to young people's diverse and complex needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people benefit from the visible and consistent management presence in the home. The manager is very much 'hands on' and has an 'open door' approach. This availability enables him to have additional oversight of how the home is operating and its impact on children and young people. As a result, monitoring is strengthened and adjustments and improvements can be made without delay. The independent visitor's report has been amended as required at the last inspection. Recommendations made in relation to the frequency of supervision, personalisation of bedrooms and improvements to documentation have also been met. This demonstrates that the manager learns from inspection activity and has capacity for further improvement.

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Information about this children's home

The home is run by the local authority. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 12 children and young people who have learning difficulties, physical disabilities and sensory impairment. Children and young people stay at the home for short breaks and on a shared care basis.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

06/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection, we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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